Trial suggests obeticholic acid may be effective treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

The New York Times (1/10, Pollack, Subscription Publication) reports that a clinical trial suggests that obeticholic acid may be “the first effective treatment for” nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The trial “was stopped earlier than expected because the drug was working so well.”

     The Wall Street Journal (1/10, Loftus, Subscription Publication) reports that the study, which included more than 280 participants, was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

        The AP (1/10) reports that the trial “compared a daily 25-millligram oral dose of obeticholic acid with a placebo.” Those given the medication “for 72 weeks were more likely to have a significant reduction in disease.” Also covering the story are Bloomberg News (1/10, Armstrong), Reuters(1/10, Manocha) and Forbes (1/10, Solomon).